From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 3: Karnataka is mulling the proposal to switch over to unit system from the existing system of distributing 30 kg of rice/wheat to BPL families under the 'Anna Bhagya' scheme.

The switch-over to unit system was found necessary in the wake of complaints of misuse of scheme some districts, said Minister for Food and Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Dinesh Gundu Rao.

The minister, who spoke to reporters after releasing a a final report of Rapid Assessment of the Anna Bhagya Scheme prepared by Grassroots Research & Advocacy Movement (GRAM) in Bengaluru on Tuesday, said the committee during its inspection had found some BPL beneficiaries selling rice at Rs 10 per kg (as against the purchase rate of Re 1 per kg) to others near ration shops Koppal and Gadag districts.

It was true that several BPL card holders were selling rice to others at higher rates since they were getting more than sufficient quantity of rice, he said.

"In the wake of this, the department is planning to distribute rice/wheat on unit basis as families with more number of persons will get additional quantity and smaller families will get as per their requirements. Our department has submitted a proposal to this effect and this may be announced by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in his budget speech on March 13,’’ he indicated.

Dinesh said the GRAM has also recommended the government to distribute pulses like tur dal, edible oil (palm oil) and salt to BPL families at highly subsidized rates to improve nutrition among people.

Although, this may not be distributed at Re 1 but the prices will be within the reach of common people. This had been discussed with the CM who may announce this in the coming State Budget.

Besides, the GRAM had made recommendation to the department to increase the quantity of sugar to card holders from the present 2 kg per family per month to 5 kg. "This recommendation will be considered at a right time,’’ he said.

The minister said while appreciating the Anna Bhagya scheme, the GRAM had pointed several loopholes in distribution network.

It had asked the government to recruit additional food inspectors, make their responsibilities more feasible to help combat issues of fraud, corruption, and cheating activities of shop owners.

Food inspectors were needed to identify the ineligible/fake/ghost cards in every fair price shops, a common issue with the sudden swelling of BPL card holders across the state to realize the benefits of PDS. There was a need to strengthen call facility to address the grievances of consumers effectively, he added.